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Learning & Access Update: July – August
Since the Centre closure in March, Learning & Access has been full steam ahead with online events. Here's a recap of the number of events that have taken place during August and September:
Song Play - 40 online sessions
Song Play with Vision Australia - 6 online sessions
Accelerando - 15 online workshops and lessons
Music Always - 12 online concerts
Relaxed Performances - 1 online concerts
Sound Matters - 8 online training and workshops
Competitions and Master Classes - 2 online events
Accelerando Workshop – The Student Becomes the Master
On Saturday 26 July, our Accelerando students learnt the most important lesson of all – how to teach! With Artistic Director and teacher Renee Heron, the group worked through not only the practical logistics of teaching their instrument, but also the qualities of a good teacher. They then got to practice these skills by teaching a simple folk tune to a fellow Accelerando student in the Zoom breakout rooms. Of course, hilarity and embarrassment ensued, but as Renee told them, a good teacher takes their student out of their comfort zone!
There was quite a bit of Accelerando activity in the month of August with our resident drummer Charlie having a lesson with the legendary Tony Floyd, young guitarist Riley connecting with the renowned Stephen Magnusson, and Darcy on Tenor Sax learning the ropes from Local Hero Justin Kenealy.
Supported by the Peggy & Leslie Cranbourne Foundation
Music Always Online – New connections with new technologies
August saw the beginning of a two-month online Music Always tour with Anja and Donald from the musical ensemble Anja & Zlatna. They kicked the tour off with two fantastic Zoom performances at Emmy Monash on Thursday 20 August and Illoura Residential Aged Care in Wangaratta on Thursday 27 August.
‘While they (Anja & Donald) were not on the big stage in a large auditorium, their performance, explanations and warmth in real time was so appreciated by our residents in all areas of Emmy Monash (over 150 audience members). Please pass on my thanks to both of them, and of course once again, huge appreciation for the Music Always program and your efforts to transport our residents in these most challenging of times to a place of beauty, harmony and wellbeing.’ Emmy Monash Lifestyle Leader, Maureen Shulsinger
Supported by the Hansen Little Foundation and Lady Marigold Southey AC
Stéphanie Kabanyana Kanyandekwe joined us as the special guest facilitator for the July Sound Matters Workshop on Wednesday 15 July. Four children who are blind or have low vision joined us online with special music making props sent in the mail, including a graphic score made by Stéphanie for the participants to interpret. Curated by Ben Opie, this series of Sound Matters workshops is run in partnership with Vision Australia.
On Thursday 20 August we held another Sound Matters workshop, this time with the very talented Stephanie Arnold. Stephanie creates soundscapes based on language and storytelling, and our young participants were thrilled to hear their own stories turned into compositions.
‘Thank you all for another wonderful session. My son really looks forward to these - I think they are keeping him going at the moment. Thanks to you all. He is already asking when the next session is!!!’ Parent of a participant
Supported by the William Buckland Foundation & Marian E.H. Flack Trust
This month, we trialed the first Relaxed Performance online with Burwood East Special Developmental School and Inventi Ensemble, and it was a hit! The students were incredibly lively online, joining in each song with specific listening activities and actions. Parents and siblings were also thrilled to be a part of the session.
‘It’s great that you are sharing your time and talent with BESDS students, staff and families. A HUGE thank you!’ Seth Willingham, Principal of BESDS
Supported by Samuel Nissen Foundation, Calvert Jones Foundation & The William Buckland Foundation
With July, came the launch of applications for the Great Romantics Competition on Sunday 6 December 2020. Now in its eleventh year, this important national competition provides a platform for young musicians and ensembles passionate about Romantic repertoire, including such luminaries as Brahms, Liszt and Schumann.
Open to soloists, duos or small ensembles, Australia’s talented young musicians will battle it out for the prestigious Elisabeth Murdoch Prize, which includes a combination of cash and performance opportunities. If you know any interested musicians between 18-25 years of age, please remind them that applications close on Wednesday 28 October.
Supported by Annamila Pty Ltd, Mrs Margaret S. Ross AM & Dr Ian C Ross
Song Play Term 3 finisheD on Wednesday 16 September and started again for Term 4 in early October along with Song Play with Vision Australia.
Our Music Always Online tour with Anja and Donald continues throughout the month of September as well as another Relaxed Performance, Sound Matter workshop and applications closing for the Newsboys Regional Music Award.